Practical tips for getting around in Paris

Drivers guides |

By Europcar |

<p><br />Taking the car and getting around in Paris are like running an obstacle course.<br /> Very slow speed, difficulties with parking, traffic jams, etc.<br /> The time your trip takes is never guaranteed, but stress and fatigue are always the case.<br /> It can be a real struggle.<br /> Still, there are alternative solutions as well as tips for getting around Paris by car, and even finding a parking spot!</p>
<h2>Take advantage of the ring road before entering Paris</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Getting to Paris by car is not a pleasant experience.<br /> If you&rsquo;re coming from the Parisian provinces or suburbs, take the ring road.<br /> With 35 kilometres of motorway without any red lights, traffic moves more freely than in the centre of Paris.<br /> Furthermore, lighted signs along your journey let you know how long your trip will take in real time.<br /> Beware of motorists entering the motorway on your right, as well as the many radars.<br /> Keep in mind that the maximum speed is 70 km/h.<br /> With 30 exits, choose the one that is closest to your destination to exit the motorway and head into the capital.</p>
<h2>Avoid rush hour</h2>
<p><br />Rush hour should be avoided whenever possible.<br /> The number of cars is impressive and so is the time lost.<br /> V-Traffic.com, a site specialising in real-time traffic, conducted a 4-year study and found that Tuesday mornings and Friday evenings are the worst times for traffic in Paris.<br /> Trust them.</p>
<h2><br />Be informed about traffic</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>When taking a trip, try to get real-time traffic information.<br /> Tune your radio to 107.7 FM.<br /> This station will inform you about the traffic conditions in your area, as well as any accidents, incidents, construction or demonstrations.<br /> GPS systems, as well as smartphones connected to the internet, can also keep you up-to-date about traffic and how long your trip will take.</p>
<h2>Parking in Paris is possible</h2>
<p><br />As unbelievable as it may seem, there is always a solution for parking in Paris.<br /> Choose underground car parks whenever you get the chance.<br /> For a fee of &euro;5 for 2 hours, you get secure parking.<br /> Before your trip, find the underground car park nearest your destination.<br /> You also have the option of parking on the street, but spots are hard to find.<br /> If you find one, don’t forget to go to the parking meter and leave your ticket prominently displayed on your dashboard.<br /> The price of parking is generally &euro;4 per hour, and you can pay with a card you buy in a tobacconist&rsquo;s.<br /> Parking is free in the evenings after 8 PM until the following day at 9 AM and all day on Sundays.</p>
<h2>Visiting Paris by scooter</h2>
<p><br />An alternative and more practical solution, the scooter is a means of transport that is used more and more in Paris.<br /> Stable, fast and easy-to-manoeuvre, it&rsquo;s a way to get around more easily in the capital.<br /> They&rsquo;re easier to park because they&rsquo;re less cumbersome, and they can help you save a lot of time during your travels.<br /> In addition, there are plenty of parking spots for 2-wheeled vehicles.</p>